Saturday, May 13, 2017

A $110 million lawsuit has been launched against Ralph Rowe, Scouts Canada and the Anglican Synod of the Diocese of Keewatin, alleging the two organizations’ “systemic negligence and breach of fiduciary duty” led to hundreds of indigenous youth being sexually abused by the former priest and Scout leader.

The statement of claim filed for the class action lawsuit filed at the Superior Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Thursday seeks compensation for all people who allege they were sexually abused by the Rowe within the geographic boundaries of the Anglican Diocese of Keewatin between 1975 and 1987.

Rowe was convicted or pleaded guilty to nearly 60 sexual offences committed on dozens of victims, serving less than five years in prison.

He used his role as priest and Scout leader to lead religious services and character building activities as well as provided training and leadership skills that were “motivated by a sinister desire to gratify his improper sexual appetite for young boys,” the legal filing charges.